HaemochromatosisOverview

Haemochromatosis is an inherited condition in which iron levels in the body slowly build up over many years.

This build-up of iron, known as iron overload, can cause unpleasant symptoms. If it isn't treated, this can damage parts of the body such as the liver, joints, pancreas and heart.

Haemochromatosis most often affects people of white northern European background and is particularly common in countries where lots of people have a Celtic background, such as Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

Symptoms of haemochromatosis

Symptoms of haemochromatosis usually start between the ages of 30 and 60.

Causes of haemochromatosis

Haemochromatosis is caused by a faulty gene that affects how the body absorbs iron from food.

You're at risk of developing the condition if both of your parents have this faulty gene and you inherit one copy from each of them.

You won't get haemochromatosis if you only inherit one copy of the genetic fault, but there's a chance you could pass the faulty gene on to any children you have.

And even if you do inherit two copies, you won't necessarily get haemochromatosis. Only a small number of people with two copies of this genetic fault will ever develop the condition. It's not clear exactly why this is.